Going backwards

I agree with Dan O'Connor (Letters, 28 January) that following the death of Mary Daly we can question the title of the "world's first feminist philosopher". But we can surely do better than the (admirable) Simone de Beauvoir? What about the inspirational Hypatia of Alexandria (AD 370-415), with her student-centred learning; her implied criticism of ethnic intolerance and power games; and her refusal to endorse the established powers and religion. So, no surprise she was hacked to death by the frenzied Christian mobs.

Barry A Hills

Principal lecturer, Glyndwr University

• To understand the use of the term "America", it is necessary to refer to the Monroe doctrine of 1823 (Letters, 1 February). The intentions and attitude of the United States are shown there.

Janette Smith

Bristol

• One has to admire Ferran Adria's amazing hi-tech culinary creations (El Bulli's closing!, G2, 28 January), but my eye was drawn across to the picture on the adjacent page, and I suspect I was not alone in thinking that I would much prefer to sit down to Allegra McEvedy's spice-rubbed chicken leg with biryani rice.

Michael Smethurst

Winchester, Hampshire

• Recently, I launched into an exploration of the psychogeography of the urban spaces surrounding my residence (Letters, 28 January). Not only did I experience the liminal nature of our minor thoroughfares as a function of wider societal values but I also secured a ­carton of milk and a newspaper from the corner shop.

Robin Pinguey

Liverpool

• As a Toyota is a palindrome, it's still a Toyota when it's in reverse (Letters, 1 February).